International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics
Volume 107, Issue 3 , Pages 232-235, December 2009

Factors determining whether Ethiopian women support continuation of female genital mutilation

  • Saba W. Masho

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, 1000 East Clay Street, PO Box 980212, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0212, USA. Tel.: +1 804 628 2509; fax: +1 804 828 9773.
    • ,
  • Lindsey Matthews

Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA

Received 7 May 2009; received in revised form 17 June 2009; accepted 20 July 2009. published online 28 August 2009.

Abstract 

Objective

To examine the factors influencing the opinions of women about whether female genital mutilation (FGM) should continue in Ethiopia.

Methods

Data from questionnaire surveys of women (n=11375) collected during the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey were analyzed. Factors influencing the opinions of women concerning whether FGM should continue as a practice in Ethiopia were examined using multiple logistic regression.

Results

Women who believed that FGM should continue were more likely to be aged 15–24years (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.05–1.41); rural residents (OR, 2.73; CI, 2.38–3.12); Muslim (OR, 1.98; CI,1.80–2.17); married (OR, 1.26; CI, 1.09–1.46); uneducated (OR, 2.85; CI, 2.51–3.23); circumcised (OR, 3.46 CI, 2.94–4.06); and to have had no exposure to mass media (OR,1.57; CI,1.41–1.75).

Conclusion

To change the opinions of women regarding FGM, specific education and prevention programs should be designed to target these demographic groups of women.

Keywords: Female genital circumcision, Female genital mutilation, Women's beliefs, Women's opinions

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PII: S0020-7292(09)00401-9

doi:10.1016/j.ijgo.2009.07.022

International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics
Volume 107, Issue 3 , Pages 232-235, December 2009

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